PA/24/10 23 March 2010
Boost to science links between Australia and India: researchers use satellites to gauge ocean health
Australian and Indian scientists met from 16-18 March at the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
Australian and Indian researchers use satellite-based earth observation of coasts and oceans to monitor ocean colour, which arises from changes in algae and suspended material.
Remote sensing reveals variability in ocean colour on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Image: European Space Agency MERIS satellite/CSIRO
According to the leader of the Australian delegation, Dr Arnold Dekker of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), ocean colour can be used to look at the health of oceans.
“We can use it, for example, to calculate the concentration of dissolved organic material and the level and type of biological activity,” he said.
“The effects of climate change and the pressures of human population growth are having significant impacts on oceans. Ocean colour helps us understand the interactions between aquatic ecosystems, climatic factors and human impacts.
“These indicators might allow us to assess the amount of phytoplankton photosynthesising in a particular area of the ocean, or to describe conditions associated with algal blooms. Such observations might enable scientists to answer questions such as: Are there links between agricultural practice and phytoplankton activity? How might we begin to predict algal blooms? How do human activities lead to changes in ocean processes?”
Changes in ocean colour could have important consequences for aquatic ecosystems, which in turn affect and are affected by the economic, social and physical health of human populations.
Remote sensing plays a critical role in monitoring ocean colour.
“Australia has expertise in the areas of ocean science, measurement and modelling, and collaborates with international space research agencies to improve its access to satellite remote sensing capabilities,” said Dr Dekker.
The workshop explored opportunities for Australian scientists to collaborate with India’s research community.
“ISRO has an impressive program of multiple satellite sensors to detect and monitor changes and trends in ocean systems,” said Dr Dekker.
“In 2009 ISRO launched the Ocean Colour Monitor-2 satellite that could become an important source of coastal and ocean information for Australia.”
The Acting High Commissioner of Australia to India, Dr Lachlan Strahan, welcomed the visit to India by the group, which comprised scientists from CSIRO, the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University, the University of Technology Sydney, Curtin University of Technology, the University of New South Wales, Geoscience Australia and the New South Wales Government.
“I’m pleased to see growing links in this important area of science. It complements the strong support the Australian and Indian Governments give to collaborative research efforts. Australia recognises India’s growing strength in science and has committed Rs 200 crore over the next five years for joint science projects, which the Government of India has matched. The joint science fund with India is Australia’s largest with any country. It paves the way for exciting new projects in important areas like renewable energy, marine sciences, nanotechnology and biotechnology,” he said.
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